Climate News in 2024
Check out my earlier page for archived news from 2022 & 2023, that page was getting a little long!
On this page we are starting fresh with 2024. This page is an archive, with news from my Weekly(ish) Updates at JustCreation.org. I include good news, news connected to the efforts of people of faith, and some not-so-good-news as well. Find also new reports and studies in my Weekly(ish) Updates, and connect to the current archive for 2024, and earlier archive from 2022 & 2023.
Archived from March 2024
From March 25th
Faith in the News This Week
Celebrating Ramadan, family and community. from My Mixed Heritage, A Ramadan Guide for Mixed Families/Couples Is this your first Ramadan as a mixed couple or family? Keep reading for our tips to perfectly navigate a "mixed" Ramadan.
Polycrisis, Faith in Unity. The world is coming to grips with the reality of multiple crises at once, a ‘polycrisis,’ and how to meet this difficult moment for transformative outcomes. The faith community can and will be a big part of what happens next, and engaging conversation, forming friendships, and praying together are the path to begin. From Buddhist Door Global, Buddhistdoor View: Navigating the Modern Polycrisis Through Interfaith Unity. Building community could not be more visible than in shared song, from BBC, Muslim, Jewish and Christian women bond in choir.
Connection as Healing. Engaging together is not only the way to face the polycrisis, but also the path to new communities, forming right now. From UM Insight, 'Our Kaleidoscope Community' Grows Rapidly Amid 'Scary' Circumstances. In the UMC and beyond, people of faith are focusing on what unites us. Also from UM Insight, Love Your Neighbor Coalition to Offer Hospitality, Human Rights Focus for General Conference.
Faith and the Fight to Slow Climate Change. It is not only those within faith communities who recognize the power of faith-connection and prayer. The wider community, too, recognizes the power that the faithful can bring. From Greenpeace, 5 reasons why people of faith are a powerful force in the fight against climate change and environmental crises.
Creative Partnerships. The Schools in Scotland found a great partner for creative lesson planning with leaders of the Catholic Laudato Si. From ICN Scotland: Pupils invited to get creative for all of creation
Green Ramadan. Ramadan as a month-long practice of humility and goodness, combined with the joyful generosity of a shared meal, there is no better time to reflect on food and climate justice. From Magdalene, ‘Green Ramadan’ Revives Islam’s Long Tradition of Sustainability and Care for the Planet
Engaging the Public Square. Two great stories of action from Catholic groups and leaders this week. From Florida Catholic Media, Catholic, Christian groups share faith-driven plan for 'climate adaptation' with Congress. And from the Global Sisters Report, Arizona bishop thanks Pope Francis for calling out US impacts on climate change.
Good News
Ending Oil Pipelines. Addressing the climate crisis will finally end of oil and gas pipelines. But transforming energy systems, including pipelines, is not happening quickly and does not yet have wide public support. The good news, here tho, is that every voice makes a difference. Tribes and allies are choosing visibility and engagement. From Indian Country Today, ICT, Water protectors rally in Ohio over Enbridge pipeline. The legal fight continues in a federal appeals court over Michigan’s efforts to shut down the controversial Line 5.
Rights of Nature. How we view nature is paramount to how we behave—are we stewards and protectors or exploiters? To protect the headwaters of the Amazon, this legal fight was led by Kukama Indigenous women. From Inside Climate News, Landmark Peruvian Court Ruling Says the Marañón River Has Legal Rights To Exist, Flow and Be Free From Pollution. The ruling is the first time Peru has recognized that ecosystems possess legal rights and is based on a constellation of legal precedents in international and Peruvian law.
Defending Sacred Land. In Colombia, in the Putumayo Mountains, Indigenous people are once again the leaders in protecting sacred and precious landscapes, ecosystems, and communities. Soraida Chindoy is speaking out to save her homeland, a place water, of lagoons, where eight rivers are born, and where the Amazon rainforest and the Andes kiss. From Mongabay, Soraida Chindoy: the Indigenous guardian defending the sacred Putumayo mountains.
Pollinators first! In planning anything, from a solar farm to a border along the walk, if we think of ecosystems and pollinators, we can ensure everything we do makes room for all. A little rewilding everywhere adds up. A lot of rewilding will change the world. From Better Homes and Gardens, How to design and plant a butterfly border – expert advice for a pollinator-friendly plot. From Scientific American, Pollinators Flock to Flower-Filled Solar Panel Fields
Growing the Hackmatack. As understanding of the importance of conservation and ecosystem protection grows, so do efforts around the world, in every state and community also. From WTTW, ‘Dream Realized’ as Illinois Conservation Groups Add 1,000 Acres to Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge.
Goodbye Plastic Wrap. I return to plastic wrap, from the very bad news under ‘Reports’ above, is the hope that humans are seeking ways to stop the plastic scourge. Innovation is part of the transition. From Phys.org, Cellulose fibers are emerging as a sustainable option for wrapping everything from foods to electronics
From March 18th
Faith Voices in the News This Week
As people of faith sometimes we feel like we have to hide our lamp under a basket. We do not always know the ‘right’ way to share our love of God and our hope for our neighbor and this earth. Yet it is so important that we continue to prayerfully reflect and be courageous as we step forward with our light. Our voices matter. For an article that reflects the imperatives we face, a recent multifaith dialogue spoke to the crises of this moment, addressing the tragedy in Gaza and climate change. From Flatwater Free Press, Nebraska, Climate change can be contentious. Can our faith help lower the temperature?
Racial Equity is Climate Justice. Self reflection, good work, and a name change for the Lutheran group. From Living Lutheran, White Lutherans organize for racial justice.
The climate crisis & the Pacific Islands. An essay highlighting the work of faith, community, identity and land from the World Council of Churches, Advocacy and prophetic witness for metanoia.
Ramadan as a time for Good. The festival and celebration of Ramadan is not just about the delicious Iftar. From Time, Why Ramadan Is a Time of Activism for Many Muslims.
World Environment Day was March 14! This day of Sikh celebration around the world drew the faithful out doors to make a difference. From The Tribune, India, World Sikh Environment Day: Over 1,100 saplings planted on banks of ‘Buddha Dariya’
Lent and Climate Finance. A sacred Lent addressing Climate Finance continues in the UK where Christians took action in witness to the flow of money to projects that harm nature and communities. From Christianity Today, UK Christians Asked to Give Up Their Banks for Lent. In coming alongside that effort, a reflection from Earthbeat of a Catholic alongside British Quakers, I prayed with Quakers to urge Vanguard to invest more responsibly
Wild Rivers. When the Indigenous Peoples stewarded the lands of the Pacific Northwest, the rivers were free, wild, and filled with fish including the keystone species, Salmon. Earthbeat offers us a deeper dive to the need to restore rivers and riverlife, with mention of the All our Relations Campaign over these last few years including the prayers and witness of Earth Ministry, WAIPL, and Pacific Northwest nations. Indigenous leaders gain support of Washington Catholics for dam removal.
Church Garden as Sacred! Congratulations to Grace Episcopal Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, they restored 3 acres of manicured lawn to native garden and habitat. Absolutely fabulous! From IPL Cool Congregations, 2024 Sacred Grounds Winner – Three Acres from Lawn to Native Habitat.
Mandalas and Prayers. A joyful and prayerful time at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tallahassee! From the Tallahassee Democrat, Tibetan Buddhist monks bring message of peace to Tallahassee with mandala.
An Arctic prayer for safekeeping. A prayerful reflection on the Arctic wildlife, ecosystems and ways of life in this heartstirring call to people of faith to respond. Written by Stuart Cohen of Alaska Interfaith Power and Light, Action Rooted in Faith: Our Obligations to Protect America’s Arctic.
Two seals rest on a block of ice. Photo taken close to Juneau, Alaska, by Federico Artusi.
Good News
Small Town Sustainability. Sustainability is possible and it is happening. A great story from Alaska KTUU, Spotlight on sustainability shines on quiet, coastal Alaska town. Cordova is so far ahead in renewable energy efforts, it’s hitting the limits of what current technology can offer.
Starting to drop! Yes, a long way to go, but let’s celebrate this good news as a mile marker on the way! From Phy.org, German greenhouse gas emissions dropped sharply last year, raising hopes of meeting 2030 target. The UK is looking even better! From Carbon Brief, Analysis: UK emissions in 2023 fell to lowest level since 1879.
Rewilding. Y’all have probably noticed that I love rewilding stories. This one from Ireland last week (Happy St. Patrick’s Day!), from Mongabay, Rewilding Ireland: ‘Undoing the damage’ from a history of deforestation, and this week a lovely look at rewilding in Japan. From Inside Climate News, Rewilding Japan With Clearings in the Forest and Crowdfunding Campaigns. Preserving the nation’s biodiversity requires opening up meadows in its vast cedar plantations. Conservationists are making headway, but progress depends on reconnecting youth with nature.
Clean Energy on the Seas. A couple of good-news stories as shipping transport looks to go green. From Popular Science, A cargo ship’s ‘WindWing’ sails saved it up to 12 tons of fuel per day. After six months sailing around the world, the numbers are in for the retrofitted ‘Pyxis Ocean.’ And from Electrek, World’s cleanest lake is getting a new flying electric hydrofoil ferry.
Solving for Sustainability. Cemeteries are sacred spaces. As a pastor, I shared those spaces with families in the most humbling, quieting and holy ways. At first, I wasn’t too sure about this news. I have been mulling it, and I have come to think of how good this idea is done respectfully and well. This project was more than just sticking solar panels up. This was about a creative way to address community needs, enriching all. From Euronews.green, ‘A beautiful idea’: This French town is making its cemetery a source of solar energy.
From March 11th
My focus for Faith Voices this week is PFAS, and as often happens with a ‘special section,’ the links and information required its own post: PFAS, Faith and Human Rights.
Muslim, Christian, Sikh and Hindu. This charming article is the answer to the question, ‘can’t we all just get along?’ This is what happens when love is at the center of relationships and faith. From the Express Tribune, India, Sikh mother, Christian father, Muslim brother: Vikrant Massey opens up on his 'beautiful house.'
Empowering Women. We know from studies that if we are going to address the climate crisis we have to empower women. The Lutheran World Federation is doing just that with support and training for women in Ethiopia. Ethiopia: Increasing awareness of gender just leadership in the church.
Community Investment. An inspiring article from Sojourners highlights the difference faith communities can make in their neighborhoods and beyond, Churches to Play Key Role in Spending $1 Billion Toward Climate Change. Already this good work is underway, with collaborative partnerships including with Calvary Reformed Church in Cleveland and the US based Pentecostal denomination, the Church of God in Christ.
International Faith Partners in Support for East Africa. A locally led climate fund through Act Alliance and partners has launched new projects: East Africa: two new Climate Justice projects. The worst of the impacts of climate change is hitting those who did the least to cause the problem. There are a number of efforts to right this wrong, including pressure to pay for loss and damage to people, land, farmers, and ecosystems, and develop local strength in people and leadership.
Good News
Lots of good news this week!! Find more news in the news archive here.
Bat conservation at Bracken Bat Cave in Texas. The researcher holds a Mexican free-tailed bat. Photo credit: USFWS/Ann Froschauer CC BY 2.0 DEED
Conservation. After years of conservation work, endangered bat populations in Pennsylvania are improving. From the Pittsburg-Post Gazette, After near extinction, some bats are coming back courtesy of Pa. biologists and others.
Clean energy! A sand battery is a thing. And the Finnish are all about it. (And no, this isn’t yet another plug for Dune 2 :-) From EuroNews, ‘A very Finnish thing’: Big sand battery to store wind and solar energy using crushed soapstone.
Transition and accountability. Efforts everywhere by people of goodwill are seeking to hold industry not only accountable for their pollution, but in the push to do thing differently. Two stories of such efforts, from Grist, Under pressure from activist investors, big brands agree to report and reduce plastics use. Shareholder advocacy groups have already won plastics-related concessions from companies including Disney, Hormel, and Choice Hotels. And from The Guardian, The Māori climate activist breaking legal barriers to bring corporate giants to court.
Taking Action. A story to encourage you from Inside Climate News, ‘Insure Our Future:’ A Global Movement Says the Insurance Industry Could Be the Key to Ending Fossil Fuels. As insurers cancel policies in regions threatened by sea level rise and wildfires, activists around the world rallied for a week of actions pressuring the companies to drop oil, gas and coal projects driving climate disasters.
Cultural celebration. An event that hits home, a first-ever gathering in celebration of native culture, skills, and life-craft. From Indian Country Today, ICT, First Gathering of Native Weavers of Oregon. At a conference on the Oregon Coast hosted by the Portland All Nations Canoe Family, traditional weavers of all ages and skill levels shared stories and knowledge, stitch by stitch.
From March 4th
The Sixth UN Environment Assembly, UNEA-6. Last week saw the international policy gathering known as the UNEA-6. The parties gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, and in general the UNEA meets every two years to form agreements around international environmental policy. The focus this year was the climate crisis, the loss of nature and biodiversity, and pollution—such as plastics. Well over 5,000 gathered with delegations from 190 countries as well as youth, NGOs, people of faith, and other stakeholders.
The Global Youth Environment Assembly gathered also in Nairobi to address the same issues. At the front of the concerns of the youth were generational inequity, and lack of investment in younger people, their ideas and capacity to develop and enact solutions. Their effort seemed to express also that if only investment would flow to the young, more action could and would be taken. Read the Global Youth Declaration on the Environment, 2024.
People of Faith were present and visible at the Assembly. At a morning faith breakfast, The Sunday Standard, Kenya, reported, Religious leaders call for an end to activities that cause carbon emissions. SEI sponsored also an event on the importance of multilateralism, or cooperative action: Why faith matters matter in multilateralism to combat climate change impacts, biodiversity loss and plastic pollution.
Faith Perspective in the Assembly. To get a sense of how people of faith understood the importance of their participation, read an interview with Canon Rachel Mash who attended. From Anglican Communion News Service, UNEA6 – A Seat at the Table for Everyone.
Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth. Even with all the other important and good work accomplished the last couple of weeks, the stunning moment was when the Council of Muslim Elders announced the release of Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth. This document has been in development, and much awaited. From My Joy Online, Ghana, Islamic Scholars unveil Islamic approach to environmental stewardship at UNEA-6. More about the Al-Mizan, and you can download the Covenant in both Arabic and English.
Outcomes. Look to the news this week as outlets process the resolutions addressed or passed at the Assembly, such as this article from The Guardian, African leaders call for equity over minerals used for clean energy. ‘Crucial’ UN resolution attempts to avoid repeat of injustices produced by Africa’s fossil fuel sector For now, from UN Environment Program, UN Environment Assembly advances collaborative action on triple planetary crisis and also Outcomes adopted at the sixth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6): Ministerial Declaration, decisions, resolutions.
Indigenous News
Apache Stronghold and Mining at Oak Flat. Devastating news from the 9th Circuit with a ruling against the Apache people and the sacred land that is their home. From Los Angeles Times, Divided 9th Circuit rejects Apache religious challenge to copper mine on sacred land. And from Apache Stronghold, BREAKING: Federal court greenlights destruction of Oak Flat. Apache Stronghold vows to appeal decision to U.S. Supreme Court. Read more about Oak flat from faith activist Sarah Augustine, Sacred Sanctuary, the fight for Oak Flat.
The fight to stop Enbridge Line 5. The pipeline already moves 23 million gallons of both crude oil and natural gas, moving through territory that is heavily disputed as a danger to fisheries, and a tribal way of life. From Native News Online, 30 Tribal Leaders are Pressuring President Biden to Take a Stance Against Enbridge Line 5.
Alaskan Tribes and Mine Pollution. Destruction from mining does not stay in one place, but flows into rivers, aquifers, is trucked to secondary locations, and circulates in the air. Native people in Alaska are feeling the polluting effects of a mine in Canada, and are appealing for relief. From APTN National News, ‘This mining is destroying us’: Alaskan tribal group applies for Canadian status. The Southeast Alaska Indigenous Transboundary Commission is calling on the province of B.C. and Canada to allow it to be consulted on mining projects that impact transboundary rivers.
Land Back Efforts. Many collaborative projects of environmental stewardship and conservation have developed across the US. An understanding is growing about land stewardship and the knowledge and care of the Indigenous people. There is a rising call for the Catholic Church to return land to its original caretakers. From Earthbeat, It's time for the Catholic Church to return Indigenous land. Land returns are happening within the University system as well, from Native News Online, University of Minnesota to Return 3,400 Acres to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe.
Good News
Seabird poop and reef restoration. We’ve all had that awkward moment on the beach, where a poop delivery from on high, shall we say, crashes our party. But bring on the poop, so say researchers! Seabird poop is ‘white gold’ for coral reefs, which recover more quickly and grow twice as fast when there is plenty of poop—an incentive both to help restore reefs and to protect the seabirds that deliver the goods. From Mongabay, Seabird poop is recipe for coral recovery amid climate-driven bleaching.
Clean Energy News. Electrek has a number of articles to encourage you, as more clean energy projects come on line. Including that renewables in 2023 rose to 23%, Renewables expand to 23% of US electrical generation in 2023, with solar in the lead. Also great news from The Guardian, EU countries already hitting some of their sustainable energy targets for 2030. Study finds ‘systematic progress’ achieved in 2010s with some states reaching targets a decade early. Yes, a long way to go. Still, huzzah! And finally, adding geothermal. Thank you Higher Ed! From ABC News, Universities swapping energy sources to geothermal now a growing trend. The "power of the Earth" provides some of the most sustainable energy options.
Clean Tech - Carbon Capture. The jury is still out—way out—about carbon capture. It is not a means to simply continue to burn fossil fuels. We are at the tipping point. There is a consensus that we have to figure out how to get the excess carbon out of the atmosphere. Atmospheric carbon is also absorbed by the oceans, and it is here that the latest tech is focused. From New Atlas, Seawater plant will capture 10 tons of CO2 and make 300 kg of H2 per day.
Wetlands Conservation. And another eco-system togetherness story from Mongabay. Communities in Kenya are moving away from monocropping sugarcane in order to restore wetlands and habitat. For species like the Nubian flapshell turtle it is working. Nile Basin farmers grow food forests to restore wetlands and bring back a turtle.
Archived from January / February 2024
From February 26th
Faith Voices in the News This Week
Care for the Refugee. This one is such good news and so inspiring I’m putting it first! A group of faithful in Boston have gained resources through the Welcome Corps to form a network to support refugees in their community. My gosh, what a joy to read this article and feel the hope. From the Boston Herald, Ash: Community sponsors step up to help refugees.
Lent Vigil in London. Christian Climate Action organized a 240 hour lent vigil that brought together lay, clergy, and episcopal offices in witness to the need for action on climate. No Faith In Fossil Fuels! See the photo that heads this page. Read the highlights from Christian Climate Action. From Christian News, Prayer is 'greatest weapon' against climate crisis say Christians after 10 day Parliament vigil. And from The Tablet, Thousands sign up to fight poverty and climate change during Lent.
A Call for Faith Leadership. As congregations build solar and green teams, the call continues on church leadership in every denomination, as well as in temples, synagogues and mosques, to engage the administrative and sacred leadership task of achieving netzero in every parish, district, region. This call is for bishops, from Earthbeat, Every bishop should decarbonize his diocese — and other Catholics can help.
Partnerships to address climate suffering. The growing harm to people and ecosystems will require also a growing response. Prayers of gratitude for those stepping up, from Keep the Faith, Christian Aid & the Anglican Alliance to Harness Church Networks to Tackle Climate Change, Conflict & Humanitarian Disasters.
Showing up for Oak Flat and Environment Day. Shout out to New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light for their tremendous witness for just policy and action this last week. They promoted action for Oak Flat, and shared goodwill and witness as people of faith, participating in Environment Day at the New Mexico State Legislature. Learn more about The Apache Fight for Oak Flat.
Amplifying Justice. A great profile of Jacqui Patterson in Time’s Women of the Year series, Jacqui Patterson’s Revolutionary Approach to Climate Justice.
Food Justice and the Black Church. We need to think a lot more about the connections between food sovereignty an creation justice. The land, the people, and the sustaining food we eat are inseparable and intertwined. Food is a joy, but too often a joy denied. There is a huge movement to ensure that joy. From Capital B, Freddie Gray’s Life Ignited a Movement for Black Food Sovereignty. A national network of Black churches are connecting the dots between food equity and environmental injustice. And, adding to the joy, an article from Black Girl Nerds, An Unofficial History of Southern Soul Food.
HUGE
This is so big it needs its own section. Native communities rights in consultation and approval of energy projects just took a big step forward. You may not have heard of FERC, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that is tasked with approving or not proposed energy projects. But even so, you may still have gotten a sense of just how difficult it is to stop energy projects sited for anywhere in the US. Especially, these battles involve low income communities, historically black neighborhoods, and Indigenous lands where these projects are threatened and built.
There has been pushback against FERC's power to green-light unwanted projects for decades from every corner of the US. So the win this week can only be described as HUGE. I mean, wow. And finally. And maybe we are really on a path to do better after all.
Read about it:
From ABC News, Native American tribes gain new authority to stop unwanted hydropower projects
In other Indigenous news, there was celebrating in my neck-of-the-woods with another Indigenous win this week, from ICT News, Chinook Indian Nation land claim settlement awarded, nation could be closer to federal recognition. The Chinook Indian Nation has been seeking recognition for two centuries. They are seeking a return of their land and traditional territory.
Good News
Lots of good news this week!! Find more news in the news archive here.
Preservation of Nature. A huge win for the preservation of nature and wild lands in Oregon. From OPB, 400,000 acres of public lands in Eastern Oregon get environmental protections. These new protections are part of a much larger area already under conservation which includes 4.6 million acres of canyons and rivers.
Celebration of Ocean Life. I love these natural world photo contests! This latest one celebrates the life of the ocean, in pictures. From New Scientist, Underwater photo competition showcases stunning images of marine life.
Animal Rights. This is a bit of a sad story in that the abuses of Asian elephants have been allowed to continue for so long. But that changes now. The High Court in Bangladesh has ruled to protect these animals. From BBC, Bangladesh's critically endangered Asian elephants get court protection.
Rewilding. Over the last decades people on the front lines of environment, nature and community have been living the solutions we need. One of those people is Isabella Tree who has written books to share what she has learned. From the Guardian, ‘Does rewilding sort climate change? Yes!’: UK expert says nature can save planet and not harm farming.
Life-ways, Forests, and Honeybees. Beekeeping and the honey harvest are a way of life in the biodiversity rich Ngel Nyaki Forest, which means “forest of bees” in Nigeria. Climate change means traditional means of harvesting cause real damage to the forest. In a cooperative exchange of knowledge researchers have been working with the local people to improve sustainability of their honey production. From Mongabay, Bees bring honey and hope to a forest reserve in Nigeria.
From Jan/Feb
Good News in Clean Energy
Who Won The Super Bowl? We Did, Because It Was 100% Powered By Solar, from Clean Technica Also from Clean Technica, good news about heat pumps, Industrial Heat Pumps Are Coming For Your Fossil Fuels
A Native American tribe is building a $1B solar farm in Colorado, from Electrek. A project led by the Ute people designed to bring significant clean energy to the state. The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe will construct one of the largest solar farms in the U.S., from KSUT
More solar everywhere, including Ohio. From Elecktech, Ohio’s largest solar farm just came online with 1.4 million solar panels.
This was a fight, wow! Many folks raised a hue and cry when the Postal Service tried to purchase all gas-powered vehicles. The push from faith orgs and the public that the USPS should invest in clean vehicles made a difference. Sierra Club Statement: Postal Service Rolls Out First Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations
Some great emissions and clean energy news out of China. From the Wall Street Journal, China’s Carbon Emissions Are Set to Decline Years Earlier Than Expected. China’s rollout of 300 gigawatts of new wind and solar power last year was for the first time enough to cover its new electricity demand.
Good News in Nature & Biodiversity
The mighty benefits of 'tiny forests'. A tree-planting method that originated in Japan is taking root in many communities, from CBC. In the effort to reclaim nature and boost biodiversity, these tiny forests—some as small as a tennis court—are springing to life.
Indigenous peoples are the brain trust of natural world knowledge and know how for protection, conservation, and land management. Success stories are piling up, with Native communities at the center of many. From Mongabay, First ever U.S. Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area declared in California
Another from Mongabay reporting on and celebrating the efforts of Indigenous people to advocate for Rights of Nature laws that will allow rivers to flow and natural areas to thrive, New guidebook supports U.S. tribal nations in adopting rights-of-nature laws.
Rewilding builds continued success, this time in Argentina and Brazil, where one effort in restore ant eaters enjoyed unexpected gains. Again, this is from Mongabay. A big shout out for their always excellent reporting, Rewilding in Argentina helps giant anteaters return to south Brazil.
Good News in Faith & Climate Change
Good things happening in Georgia! Georgia faith communities organize to combat climate change through local action, from WABE. This effort organized by Georgia Interfaith Power and Light brought all-faiths together to address climate change during a Green Team Summit.
A Lent Vigil in the UK began on Ash Wednesday, Hundreds of Christians take part in 240 hour climate vigil. Former Archbishop calls for urgent climate action, as hundreds of Christians occupy parliament entrance in 240 hour vigil, from Christian Climate Action. And from Independent Catholic News, ICN, Christian climate change campaigners stage 240-hour vigil outside Parliament.
The clean energy ramp-up is moving across the faith community everywhere, ‘It only makes sense’: Houses of worship adding solar arrays, from Michigan Advance. And from Grist, Across the country, houses of worship are going solar. A federal rule makes it easier for churches, synagogues, and mosques to put solar panels on the roof.
A story of resilience, Mexican Methodists respond to climate crisis, from UM News and penned by noted photojournalist Rev. Paul Jeffrey, who works internationally with organizations such as ACT Alliance.
As Pakistan ranks 5th on global climate-vulnerability index, churches pledge action, from Christian Daily, Asia.
Addressing public pollution though public hearing and advocacy, people of faith are petitioning the EPA to clean up the air and address the soot rule. From Earthbeat, Faith leaders call new EPA soot limit a win for vulnerable communities (For a 101 on how people of faith can be part of the public process, see Submitting Comments & Testimony, a 101.)
Creation Care Commuting Builds Community and Reduces Carbon, the successful Bike Bus program at East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church, from the Mennonite Church USA.
A garden home for all, from A Rocha. A lovely post about an A Rosha garden in the Czech Republic that is ‘teeming with life.’
Can we get a ton of applause for the Church in Scotland? They are way ahead and blazing a path for the rest of us. The Methodist Church in Scotland posted this, Net Zero in my Neighbourhood, with links to netzero resources.
Ramadan begins March 10th. Many are planning ahead to address climate themes. Calls for a ‘green’ Ramadan revive Islam’s long tradition of sustainability and care for the planet, from The Edwardsville Intelligencer, Maryland.
In celebration of Black History and the climate movement.
Learn more about Black leadership in the Energy transition. Upcoming webinar, Celebrating Black Leaders in the Energy Transition, organized by the Center for Global Energy Policy at Columbia, on February 27th.
Celebrating also Dr. Robert D. Bullard whose work at the intersection of racism and environmental justice was the catalyst for continued leadership of Black voices in the environmental movement. From PBS, How Black activists have long used mapmaking to document culture and racism in the U.S. This article is a little older, from September 23, but still a great share. From Scientific American, The Father of Environmental Justice Exposes the Geography of Inequity. Robert D. Bullard reflects on the movement he helped to create.
For the current Weekly(ish), see JustCreation.org. Link here for the 2022 & 2023 news archive.
Just a reminder, these links are mostly third-party. The goal here is to amplify this work and learn more. Links are not endorsements.